Catholic Feast Day Recipes: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15th

The Assumption of Mary is seen as a natural extension of her Immaculate Conception and her unique role in salvation history. Interestingly, the timing of the feast also coincides with ancient harvest festivals, a symbolism embraced by Christian tradition: just as the first fruits of the harvest are gathered and offered, so too Mary is received into heaven as the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, a sign of the destiny awaiting all the faithful. 

Enjoy recipes and stories of the saints like this for every feast from the pre-1955 traditional Roman Catholic Calendar as part of our ‘Feasting with the Saints‘ annual recipe collection.

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Lavender Honey Cake

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 35 min

Servings: 8

Cuisine: European

Dish: Dessert  

Ingredients:  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour  
• ½ cup honey  
• ½ cup butter (softened)  
• 2 eggs  
• ½ cup milk  
• 1 tsp dried lavender (culinary grade)  
• 1 tsp baking powder  
• ¼ tsp salt  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, setting the stage for a delicate dessert that mirrors Mary’s heavenly grace. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and honey together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy, creating a sweet foundation as radiant as Mary’s assumption.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract and milk, ensuring a smooth batter that carries a gentle sweetness. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently crush the dried lavender to release its floral aroma and stir it into the dry ingredients.

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar for a heavenly finish. 

Find more new favourite feast day recipes to celebrate liturgical living for every feast day from the pre-1955 calendar (and discover the fascinating stories of the saints in the process) with our monthly recipe booklets. 

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Almighty and Ever-Living God,

who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Son,

body and soul into heavenly glory,

grant, we pray, that always attentive to the things above,

we may merit to be sharers of her glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, forever and ever.

Amen.